kipp vision academy - kipp atlanta schools - kipp metro …€¦ · · 2018-04-03ten ways to...

KIPP Vision Academy

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Scholar and Family Handbook 2016 - 17

2 KIPP Vision Academy

Scholar and Family Handbook 2016 – 17

Letter from the Principal 5

I. Upholding Our Mission and Values 6 ABOUT KIPP 7

KIPP Origins 7 KIPP Foundation 7 KIPP’s Vision 7 KIPP’s Five Pillars 7 About KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools 9 About KIPP Vision Academy 9

Mission 9 Vision 9 Credo 10 Values 10 Priorities 11 Scholar’s Commitment to Excellence 12 Parent’s Commitment to Excellence 13 Contact Information 14

II. Academic Program 15 School Calendar 16 School Schedule 17

Traditional School Year 17 Summer School 17 Early Release Days for Scholars and Teachers 17 Sample School Schedule 18

Attendance 19 Dismissal 19 Scholar Abandonment Procedure 20 Inclement Weather Guidelines 21 School Communication 23

Communication Tools 23 Member Hub 23 Weekly Bulletin 24 Tuesday Packet 24 Bus Notifications 24 Text and Phone Blasts 24 Update Your Contact Information 24

Telephone Use 24 Teacher Cell Phones 24 Messages for KIPPsters 25 Family Involvement 25 Communication Protocol 26 Procedure for Parent/Guardian Concerns 26

Ten Ways To Support Your KIPPster’s Education At Home 27 Academic Program Overview 28

Reading 28 Language Arts 29 Mathematics 29 Science 30 Social Studies 30 Fine Arts 30

KIPP Vision Academy 3

Parent/Student Handbook 2016 – 17

Parent-Teacher Communication 31 Advisory and Character Development 31 Evaluation Tools 32 Homework Procedure 32 Grading/Report Cards 33

Division of School Year into Quarters/Semesters 33 Grade Updates 34 Progress Reports 34 Report Cards 34 Categories of Assessment & Their Value in Determining Quarter/Semester Grades 34 Final Grades 35 Ensuring the Fairness & Accuracy of KIPPster Assessments 35

Make-Up Work 35 Make-Up Work Following KIPPster Absence 35 Late Work 35 Resubmission of Unsatisfactory Work 36

Summer School 36 Field Lessons 36 Tutoring 36 Supplies 36

III. School Culture and Scholar Discipline 38 Scholar Dress Code 39 Uniform Violation Consequences 41 Dress Code Rationale 41

Scholar Cell Phones 41 Personal Belongings 42 The Paycheck Management System 43

Paycheck Procedures 43 Rewards 44

Polo Shirts 44 Lockers/Cubbies 44 Dress-Down Days 44 Funtumfunafu Society 45

Be Nice Academy 45 What determines if a scholar is placed in “Be Nice Academy”? 45 What does Be Nice Academy consist of? 45 How long will a scholar be placed in Be Nice Academy? 45 How will a scholar get out of Be Nice Academy? 45 What happens if my child is in Be Nice Academy week after week? 46

Bus Behavior and Consequences 46 Ensuring Consistency in Implementation 47

Expulsion from KVA to KIPPster’s Neighborhood School 48 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( 49 IDEA) 49 Parent/Guardian Grievance Procedure 49 Sports Eligibility 50

Criteria for Participating in KIPP Vision Academy Sports 50 Terms for Dismissal from KIPP Vision Academy Sports 51

IV. General Information 52 Emergency Procedures 53



Fire Drill Procedures 53 Tornado Emergency Procedures 53 Lockdown Procedures 53

Building Security 54 Volunteers 54 Food Service 54

Community Eligibility Provision 54 Children with Disabilities 55 Snacks 55

Acknowledgement of Receipt: Scholar and Family Handbook 2016- 17 56



Letter from the Principal Dear KIPP Vision Academy Family, Words cannot express how excited I am about the journey that we are embarking upon this year. Having successfully made it through our sixth year, we are excited to embark on year six at KIPP Vision Academy. For those of you who have been with the KIPP Vision Academy for a while you’ll find that very little is changing. We are digging in and getting phenomenal at the things we’ve been building over the last four years. The foundation that has been put in place is strong and will undoubtedly serve us well in the years to come. This year our focus will be on Keeping Our KIPPsters, Parents as Partners and Educators as Experts. When our KIPPsters leave us, they will be prepared to compete with the rest of the nation’s most talented KIPPsters in the highest high quality high schools, colleges and the competitive world beyond. Achieving these goals will require a great deal of hard work and commitment from all of our Team and Family and we are excited to work with every family as one of the top-performing middle schools in the state of Georgia. This handbook has been designed to communicate the basic policies and procedures that we all must follow to ensure that learning remains the focus of every minute, every day. Please take the time, as a family, to review the handbook in its entirety and keep it handy so that you may refer to it when necessary. Please be aware that this handbook is updated and revised each year. We will review the handbook during orientation and answer questions at that time. We are looking forward to a powerful and positive year. Please feel free to contact us or any of your KIPPster’s teachers at any time. Our numbers are listed in the directory along with those of all other KIPP Vision Academy team and family. As partners, we will work to ensure that every KIPPster at KIPP Vision Academy becomes a scholar. In Partnership, Ms. Tasha L. Davis Ms. Alison Stokes Ms. Keosha Moon Successor Principal Lower Village Assistant Principal Campus Director of Operations



I. Upholding Our Mission and Values



ABOUT KIPP

KIPP Origins KIPP began in 1994 when two teachers, Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin, launched a fifth grade public school program in Houston, Texas, after completing their commitment to Teach For America. In 1995, Fienberg remained in Houston to lead KIPP Academy Middle School, and Levin returned home to New York City to establish KIPP Academy in the South Bronx. These two original KIPP academies became the starting point for a growing network of schools that are transforming the lives of scholars and redefining the notion of what is possible in public education.

KIPP Foundation In 2000, Doris and Don Fisher, co-founders of Gap Inc., formed a partnership with Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin to replicate the success of the original KIPP Academies, establishing the KIPP Foundation. Since its founding, the KIPP Foundation has recruited, selected and trained more that 100 outstanding school leaders to open new KIPP schools; rigorously focused on quality even as the network rapidly expanded; and supported innovation that has leveraged the scale of the network. The Foundation has facilitated this growth through a range of customized services including real estate, legal needs, technology, finance, corporate governance operations, communications, marketing, and development. KIPP now serves more than 70,000 scholars in 180 schools spread across 20 states and the District of Columbia. Currently, more than 30 of these schools are elementary schools.

KIPP’s Vision Our vision is that one day, all public schools will help children develop the knowledge, skills, character, and habits necessary to achieve their dreams while making the world a better place.

KIPP’s Five Pillars KIPP schools share a core set of operational principles knows as the Five Pillars. High Expectations

KIPP schools have clearly defined and measurable high expectations for academic achievement and conduct that make no excuses based on the scholars' backgrounds. Scholars, parents, teachers, and staff create and reinforce a culture of achievement and support through a range of formal and informal rewards and consequences for academic performance and behavior.

More Time

KIPP schools know that there are no shortcuts when it comes to success in academics and life. With an extended school day, week, and year, scholars have more time in the classroom to acquire the academic knowledge and skills that will prepare them for competitive high schools and colleges, as well as more opportunities to engage in diverse extracurricular experiences.



Focus on Results

KIPP schools relentlessly focus on high scholar performance on standardized tests and other objective measures. Just as there are no shortcuts, there are no excuses. Scholars are expected to achieve a level of academic performance that will enable them to succeed at the nation's best high schools and colleges.

Power to Lead

The principals of KIPP schools are effective academic and organizational leaders who understand that great schools require great school leaders. They have control over their school budget and personnel. They are free to swiftly move dollars or make staffing changes, allowing them maximum effectiveness in helping scholars learn.

Choice and Commitment

Scholars, their parents, and the faculty of each KIPP school choose to participate in the program. No one is assigned or forced to attend a KIPP school. Everyone must make and uphold a commitment to the school and to each other to put in the time and effort required to achieve success.



About KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools are free, public charter schools. KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools have operated in Atlanta and East Point since 2003 when we opened our first two schools. We have now grown to eight schools (listed in the table below) and plan to continue to expand to serve more scholars. KIPP Vision Academy is a part of KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools and the KIPP national network, which is known for having high expectations both academically and behaviorally. The mission of KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools is to equip scholars with the academic skills, scholarly habits, and character traits necessary to be successful in top quality colleges and the competitive world beyond. School Open Since Location Grades Served in

2016 - 17 KIPP South Fulton Academy

2003 1286 Washington Ave. 5-8

KIPP WAYS Academy 2003 350 Temple St. NW 5-8 KIPP STRIVE Academy 2009 1444 Lucile Ave. SW 5-8

KIPP Vision Academy 2010 660 McWilliams Rd. SE 5-8

KIPP Atlanta Collegiate

2011 98 Anderson Ave. NW 9-12

KIPP STRIVE Primary School

2012 1444 Lucille Ave. SW K- 4

KIPP Vision Primary School

2013 660 McWilliams Rd. SE K - 3

KIPP WAYS Primary School

2014 360 Temple St. NW K-2

About KIPP Vision Academy KIPP Vision Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school located in southeast Atlanta. Founded in 2010, KIPP Vision Academy serves approximately 320 scholars in grades five through eight. KIPP Vision Academy is part of KIPP Metro Atlanta and the national KIPP network of schools preparing scholars for success in college and in life. Mission Scholars will develop the tools to create a positive Vision for their future in order to become socially responsible scholars who are highly successful in high school, college and beyond. Vision KIPP Vision Academy develops within scholars the confidence and critical thinking skills to solve the complex challenges of the world. KIPP Vision Academy cultivates within scholars the inherent genius to become socially responsible leaders of their communities. Leadership development combined with rigorous instruction equips scholars to develop the tools to determine what tomorrow will look like.



Credo

If there is a problem, we look for a solution. If there is a better way, we find it. If a teammate needs help, we give. If we need help, we ask.

Values

1. Respect (Bi-Nka-Bi) – Scholars will consider the feelings and well-being of people and the environment before speaking and acting.

2. Unity (Nkonsonnkonson) – Scholars will work together to accomplish goals and to create a positive learning environment.

3. Positive Choices (Nyansapo) – Scholars will think thoroughly before acting. Scholars will make choices that are based on the question “is this going to be good for myself, my family, my community and my school?”

4. Diligence (Aya) – Scholars will work hard to accomplish goals. 5. Fun (Dono) – Scholars will find the JOY in learning, interacting with peers and in school.

Scholars understand that these values are essential qualities that they must value if they are to obtain success in reaching their goals. When both scholars and staff demonstrate these values, the following school climate is in place:

• All scholars and staff are putting forth their best effort on all tasks (diligence); helping their teammates along the way (unity); making decisions that will result in academic gain (positive choices); while enjoying themselves (fun) and operating with the utmost respect and honesty (respect).

With such a school climate, KIPP Vision Academy is making great strides towards its mission of ultimately preparing scholars for competitive high schools and colleges. When scholars have internalized these values and practice them on a regular basis, they are equipped with both the academic and life skills to excel in any rigorous academic environment.



Priorities KIPP Vision Academy’s priorities for the 2016 - 17 school year are Keeping Our KIPPsters, Parents as Partners and Educators as Experts. We define our character strengths as follows: Grit is perseverance and passion for long-term goals, completing something despite obstacles, and a combination of persistence and resilience. Exemplary KIPPsters display grit by:

• Finishing whatever they begin • Continuing to try very hard, even after experiencing failure • Working independently with focus • Sticking with a project or activity for more than a few weeks • Staying committed to goals • Continuing to work hard even when they feel like quitting

Optimism is the expectation that the future holds positive possibilities and the confidence that, we effort, these possibilities become likelihoods. Exemplary KIPPsters display optimism by:

• Overcoming frustrations and setbacks quickly • Believing that effort will improve their future • Anticipating the best possible outcomes • When bad things happen, thinking about things they could do to improve the

situation • Staying motivated, even when things do not go well • Believing that they can improve on things they are not good at

Gratitude is being aware of and thankful for good things that happen, and the desire to reciprocate with our own positive actions. Exemplary KIPPsters display gratitude by:

• Recognizing and showing appreciation for others and their opportunities • Recognizing what other people do for them • Expressing appreciation by saying thank you • Doing something nice for someone else as a way of saying thank you

We define scholarly habits as: Public Speaking is being able to speak confidently in public setting as well as actively participate in classroom discussions as both an instigator of scholarly discourse as well as an active sustainer. Exemplary KIPPsters display public speaking skills by:

• Possessing ability and confidence to deliver formal presentations and speeches • Actively participating in class discussion • Speaking in complete sentences • Answering question as they are asking with the question in the answer

Study Skills are learning strategies that help scholars organize, process and use information effectively. Exemplary KIPPsters display study skills by:

• Effectively taking notes in class that can be use to study from at home • Successfully using classwork and homework to study for weekly, unit and cumulative

assessments • Applying skills learned to all academic activities



Scholar’s Commitment to Excellence I fully commit to KIPP Vision Academy by upholding the five values outlined below: Bi-Nka-Bi (Respect) – In everything I do, I will strive to be a respectful scholar.

• I will respect myself. • I will respect my teammates. • I will consider the feelings and well-being of people before speaking and acting. • I will respect the environment by not littering and finding ways to help keep my school clean. • I will respect my own culture and I will respect the culture of others. • I will accept the consequences when and if I ever disturb the learning of other scholars.

Nkonsonnkonson (Unity) – I understand that I am a member of the KIPP Vision team and family, and I will always try to be a good team member.

• I will work together with my teammates to accomplish all of our goals. • I will work together with my teammates to create a positive learning environment. • I will always behave in order to protect the safety, interests and rights of all individuals in the school. • I will help my teammates when they need help, and I will support them in their own journey to success. • I will wear my uniform every day and will do my best to ensure that I always look like a scholar. • I will work with my teammates to ensure that our school is clean and welcoming at all times.

Nyansapo (Positive Choices) - I will make choices that are based on the question “is this going to be good for myself, my family, my community and my school?”

• I will arrive to school every day by 7:35 a.m. (Monday – Friday) or board the bus at the scheduled time and will stay until at least 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

• I will attend every day of summer school for all of the required hours. • I will attend all required Saturday sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (if applicable) • I will always look for ways to improve KIPP Vision Academy. • I will choose to be positive in my actions and my words.

Aya (Diligence) – I am determined to be a scholar, and I will always work hard in all things regardless of how difficult it might become.

• I will work hard to accomplish all of my goals. • I will stay focused on my work, even when I am tired, hungry, upset or distracted. • I will work hard to get along with all of my teammates, even if I do not like them at first. • I will not complain about things, but rather I will offer constructive feedback and suggestions for

improving the school. • I will never give up when I do not understand something or when I do not feel like completing an

assignment. • I will eliminate the word “CAN’T” from my vocabulary. I will remind myself that all things are possible with

diligence. Dono (Fun) – I will always try to find the joy in learning, interacting with peers, and in school.

• I will always try to have a good sense of humor and to appreciate the times when fun activities are planned.

• I will smile often in order to create a warm and welcoming environment. • I will fully participate in all activities, and I will support others in enjoying themselves. • I will do my part to make KIPP Vision Academy a fun place to learn.

Failure to adhere to these commitments could cause me to lose various privileges, face consequences, and/or be permanently dismissed from KIPP Vision Academy. Parent’s Signature: ______________________________________ Date: _____________________ Scholar’s Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _____________________ Principal’s Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________________ Teacher’s Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _____________________



Parent’s Commitment to Excellence I fully commit to KIPP Vision Academy by upholding the five school values as outlined below: Bi-Nka-Bi (Respect) – I understand that respect is the foundation of creating a positive learning environment; therefore, I will encourage my child to be respectful in all that he/she does:

• I will encourage my child to respect him/herself in their actions and words. • I will encourage my child to consider the feelings and well-being of people before speaking and acting. • I will encourage my child to respect the environment before acting. • I will help my child to respect their own culture as well as to respect other cultures. • I will hold my child accountable when he/she disturbs the learning of other scholars.

Nkonsonnkonson (Unity) – I understand that my child and I are members of the KIPP Vision Family, and I will always support that family.

• I understand that my child must follow the school’s rules in order to protect the safety, interests, and rights of all individuals in the classroom. I, not the school, am responsible for the behavior and actions of my child.

• I will ensure that my child comes to school every day in his/her uniform and looking like a scholar. • As an important part of the KIPP Vision family, I will do my best to be involved in the school community. • I will always make myself available to the school and to any concerns they might have. This also means

that if my child is going to miss school; I will notify the school as soon as possible. Nyansapo (Positive Choices) – I will encourage my child to make choices that are based on the question “is this going to be good for myself, my family, my community and my school?” I will also make decisions that will result in my child being successful in school.

• I will make sure that my child arrives every day by 7:35 a.m. (Monday-Friday) or boards a bus at the scheduled time and will stay until at least 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

• I will ensure that my child attends all required Saturday sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (if applicable)

• I will offer constructive feedback and suggestions for improving the school. • I will attend all parent meetings and conferences scheduled for my child.

Aya (Diligence) – In everything I do, I will support my child so that he/she can accomplish his/her goals: • I will work with my child in the best way I know how and will do whatever it takes for him/her to learn,

including checking his/her homework every night as well as reading and signing all of the necessary paperwork each night.

• I will encourage my child to spend quality time studying for every test or quiz. • I will help my child take advantage of every moment he/she has to learn something new by: listening to

them read on a regular basis, taking them to educational activities and places (including the library), and constantly looking for ways to challenge them academically.

• I will not allow my child to say “CAN’T” and will remind him/her that all things are possible with diligence. Dono (Fun) – I will encourage my child to have fun at school and to enjoy the precious gift of education.

• I will encourage my child to appreciate the times when fun activities are planned. • I will allow my child to go on field trips that he/she is eligible to attend. • I will do my part to make KIPP Vision Academy a fun place to learn.

Parent’s Signature: ______________________________________ Date: _____________________ Scholar’s Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _____________________ Principal’s Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________________ Teacher’s Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _____________________



Contact Information KIPP Vision Academy is located on the KIPP Vision Campus that we share with KIPP Vision Primary, a public charter elementary school serving grades K – 4. You are encouraged to be active members of our team and family. The main contact information for both schools is listed below. Address 660 McWilliams Road, SE Atlanta, Georgia 30315 Phone 404-537-5252 Fax 404-835-3306 Website www.kippmetroatlanta.org



II. Academic Program



School Calendar



School Schedule KIPP Vision Academy’s operating schedule is below. Any changes to the schedule will be communicated via writing in a timely manner.

Traditional School Year

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 7:15 a.m. (Doors Open) 7:35 a.m. (School Starts) 4:00 p.m. (School Ends)

Wednesday (Early Out Day) 7:15 a.m. (Doors Open) 7:35 a.m. (School Starts) 3:00 p.m. (School Ends)

Summer School Monday – Friday 8:15 a.m. (Doors Open) 8:35 a.m. (School Starts) 1:30 p.m. (School Ends)

Early Release Days for Scholars and Teachers August 26, 2016 January 27, 2017 September 23, 2016 February 17, 2017 October 28, 2016 March 17, 2017 November 18, 2016 April 28, 2017 December 16, 2016 ***KIPP Vision Academy Summer School is mandatory for ALL scholars. ***The School is not responsible for scholars who are dropped off before the identified time at which schools doors are opened. Parents/guardians are expected to wait with their children until the school doors are opened, as the children will be unsupervised until this time.



Sample School Schedule

5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade

7:15 - 7:57

Breakfast/HR/Locker

Breakfast/HR/Locker

Breakfast/HR/Locker

Breakfast/HR/Locker

8:00 - 9:07 Math Math Reading Enrichment 9:10 - 10:17 Reading Reading Social Studies Social Studies 10:20 - 11:17 Lunch/Recess Recess/Lunch Enrichment Reading 11:20 - 12:17 Power Hour Enrichment Recess/Lunch Recess/Lunch 12:20 - 1:17 Enrichment Power Hour Power Hour Power Hour 1:20 - 2:27 ELA ELA Science Science 2:30 - 3:37 Science Science Math Math 3:40 - 3:47 Snack/Locker Snack/Locker Snack/Locker Snack/Locker 3:50 - 4:57 Social Studies Social Studies Advisory/Sex Ed Advisory/Sex Ed 5:00 - 5:15 Dismissal Dismissal Dismissal Dismissal

***This schedule represents an EXAMPLE of what a scholar’s schedule at KIPP Vision Academy might look like. The schedule is subject to change at any time.



Attendance In order for KIPPsters to learn what they need to know to be prepared for college, they need to be in school, and parents need to be responsible for notifying the school within three school days when their children are not able to be present. School doors will not open until 7:15 a.m. during the school week and at 8:15 a.m during Summer School. KIPP Vision Academy will not be responsible for KIPPsters before the listed school times. KIPPsters must arrive no later than 7:35 a.m. every day (Monday – Friday), and they must remain at school until dismissal time every weekday. During Summer School, KIPPsters must arrive at school by 8:35 a.m. and remain until 1:30 p.m. KIPPsters will be considered tardy if they arrive after 7:40 a.m. during the week or after 8:40 a.m. during Summer School.

Dismissal If a parent/guardian wishes for someone to pick up his/her KIPPster during school hours, and that person is not listed on the KIPPster’s registration documents, the parent/guardian must add the person to the pick-up list in the main office. Parents/guardians must show a copy of their state-issued ID and a copy of the individual’s state-issued ID who is being added to the pick-up list. Parents may also submit the request to add an individual to the pick-up list via email to the Office Manager or Office Coordinator. A copy of the parent’s/guardian’s and individual’s state-issued ID must be attached to the email. The designated person must be 18 or older. No exceptions will be made to this procedure. Requests to add individuals to the pick-up list must be submitted by noon in order to be valid for dismissal that day. In order to ensure the safety of KIPPsters after school hours, we ask that you adhere to the following carpool line expectations:

• Please drive at an appropriate speed down McWilliams Street. • Car rider loading and unloading is in the North Parking lot. Drop off and

pick up your KIPPster on the McWilliams side of the building. KVA staff will direct you. Only school buses are permitted in the front driveway during dismissal.

• Please do not signal to your child to cross the street and enter your car. Please wait in the queue.

•



• Ensure that the left side of your car is available for your child to enter the

car (this way your child will not have to enter on the side with oncoming traffic).

• Please do not go around other cars unless directed by a KVA staff member. This creates more congestion for cars coming in and endangers the safety of all KIPPsters.

• Please park in the KVA parking lot. Never leave your car unattended in the car pool line.

Unless they are staying at school for a pre-arranged activity that is authorized and supervised by a KVA staff member, all KIPPsters should leave the premises of KIPP Vision Academy immediately after dismissal each school day. KIPPsters may not just sit in our lobby after school hours waiting for their parents. Dismissal time is 4:00 p.m. (3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays). All children must be picked up no later than 4:15 p.m. (3:15 p.m. on Wednesdays). There is a 15-minute grace period following this time. If your child remains at school for more than thirty minutes after dismissal time on any school day, KIPP Vision Academy reserves the right to take the following actions, at our discretion:

§ KIPP Vision Academy may charge a parent/guardian at a rate of $1.00 per minute for every minute after 4:30 p.m. (3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and 2:00 p.m. on early Fridays). For example, if you pick your child up at 5:45 p.m. on a Monday, you will be charged for fifteen minutes, or $15.00.

§ A member of our staff may call the Atlanta Police Department and ask an officer to escort your child to the police station. Your child will then remain at the police station until you pick him/her up.

§ At 5:16 p.m., your child will no longer be supervised by school personnel. S/he will be asked to wait outside the building for you.

Scholar Abandonment Procedure KIPP Metro Atlanta is committed to ensuring the safety of all scholars. In the event that a scholar is abandoned at a school or at a KIPP Metro Atlanta-sanctioned activity, and a parent or guardian cannot be reached at the close of the day or event, the following steps should be implemented. Procedure Parents are expected to pick up their child from school or school-sanctioned events at the stated end time. Per each school’s late pick-up procedure, parents may be given a grace period. Refer to the school’s Parent/Scholar/Family Handbook. If a scholar is not picked up by the designated end time, the school will make every effort to contact the parent or guardian. In the event that a scholar has not been picked up after all attempts have been made to reach a parent, guardian or emergency contacts, the following measures will be taken:



Inclement Weather Guidelines The safety and well-being of our scholars and staff is our highest priority, and the decision to close or delay school is no simple matter. Before deciding to close or delay school due to inclement weather conditions, we consult with a variety of experts, both inside and outside of our organization. We understand that our decision affects you, our families, in a variety of ways, and we are committed to keeping you, our staff, and the community informed of weather-related school closings and delays. As such, we would like to share the following information about the decision-making process.

Step Action Comments

1 Every effort will be made to contact the parent or guardian and all emergency contacts.

Staff member should leave a message advising the guardian that the police department will be contacted as a next step per the Scholar Abandonment Procedure

2 • Principal and school social worker will be notified.

• Principal will notify the executive director.

3 Principal, social worker, or other reporting staff member will contact the police department and Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS).

• Staff member is required to remain with the scholar until the police arrives or until scholar has been released to a guardian or local authority

• Staff member will provide details of the event, and parent contact information to the officer and/or case manager

• Staff member will record all contact information of the police officer and case manager which should include, name, badge/ID number and phone number

• Staff member will release scholar into the custody of the police officer or DFCS case manager if necessary

• Staff member will document the event using the Scholar Incident Report Form. A copy should be provided to the school social worker and placed in the scholar’s permanent record folder

4 The police department and DFCS will follow their internal protocols, which may include a visit to the child’s home for further investigation.

5 Should any one of the above steps occur, the principal or social worker will follow-up with the family, police department, and/or DFCS.

The principal or social worker will follow the incident through to resolution and maintain all relative records



How Do We Make Our Decision?

In times of inclement weather conditions, we make the decision to open or close schools based on careful consideration of risks to scholar and staff safety, alongside several important factors, including:

• Weather service information: We continually monitor the forecast from the National Weather Service for updates regarding temperature, wind chill, etc.

• Local school districts: We speak with officials from Atlanta Public Schools and Fulton County Schools to understand their evaluation of the weather situation.

• Bus company information: Our director of transportation speaks with our bus company, First Scholar, to learn about potential road conditions and any risk for buses that would be in transit.

• Campus conditions: Our building engineers check schools to ensure that electricity and heat are working properly, and monitor the conditions of parking lots and sidewalks.

Who Makes the Decision?

KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools Executive Director Kinnari Patel-Smyth makes the final decision about whether or not to keep schools open during inclement weather. The decision is made based on the factors listed above. Please note that KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools may not follow local school districts’ decisions to close or delay schools.

When is the Decision Made?

• Delay or Closure: In the event of an inclement weather risk before the school day begins, we will make a decision no later than 5 a.m. of the day on which school may be delayed or closed. You will be notified of the decision no later than 5:30 a.m.

• Unplanned Early Dismissal: In the event of inclement weather during the school day which may impact the safe travel of scholars and staff home, we will make a decision to dismiss school early with at least two hours’ notice. For example, a decision made at 11 a.m. would result in an early dismissal of 1 p.m. You will be notified of early dismissal at the time of determination.

• Delayed Dismissal: In the event that weather persists at or beyond dismissal, we will make the decision whether to delay dismissal to ensure the safety of scholars while being transported home from school. You will be notified of delayed dismissal at the time of determination.

How Do We Notify You of Our Decision?

If KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools plans to delay or close school due to inclement weather, the announcement is immediately posted on the front page of our regional website and on official regional social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Local news outlets are also notified, but please be aware that we do not have direct control over how quickly or accurately closings are reported by the media.



In addition to these regional notifications, your child’s school will contact you directly via email and/or robo call. As such, it is important that you notify your child’s school any time your contact information changes. Given that we may not follow local school districts’ decisions to close or delay schools, please disregard any robo calls you may receive that are not from your child’s school.

Saturday and Extracurricular Weekend Activities

The decision to delay or cancel Saturday and extracurricular weekend activities will be made by your child’s school leader in consultation with our executive director. Schools will notify you directly via email and/or robo call no later than 6 a.m. on Saturday.

Parental Discretion

In the event of a delay or closure, KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools will make every effort to provide rigorous instruction and maintain as many regular school day activities as possible. We respect your right as a parent to keep your child at home if you believe that weather conditions are a risk to your child’s safety. You must notify the school of your child’s absence, and these absences or late arrivals may be excused.

Regional Website and Social Media Handles

• Website: www.kippmetroatlanta.org • Facebook: www.facebook.com/kippmetroatlanta • Twitter: www.twitter.com/kippmac (@kippmac)

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kippmetroatlantaschools

School Communication

Communication Tools KIPP Vision Academy uses a variety of tools to ensure that families are connected to our learning community. Member Hub Member Hub is the software platform that KIPP Vision Campus uses to ensure that families are connected across the campus, school, and grade level. Member Hub can be accessed by a computer or mobile device. There is a mobile app for iOS and Android users. Once you create an account, you will be able to receive calendar, school, and academic updates. Member Hub is our primary method of communicating with families at the campus, school and grade level. All families are required to set-up an account and check the site weekly. You can also set-up push notifications and sync the calendar with different mail calendars like Gmail, Ymail, and Exchange.



Weekly Bulletin The Weekly Bulletin is an electronic newsletter that is emailed to parents/guardians every Tuesday. The Weekly Bulletin includes a summary of important school information and updates for the week. Parents/guardians should read the Weekly Bulletin every week to stay informed. Tuesday Packet KIPPsters receive their paychecks every Tuesday, and they are required to bring their paychecks home, show their parent and/or guardian, and return them to their homeroom teachers with their parent and/or guardian signature each Wednesday. The Tuesday Packet includes weekly grade reports, paychecks and other important communications. We ask all parents to ask their children for their Tuesday Packets every Tuesday, and to read it carefully and sign and return the signature page on Wednesdays. KIPPsters will lose $2 for every Wednesday that the paycheck is not signed and returned to their homeroom teacher. If a KIPPster misplaces his/her paycheck, families and KIPPsters should contact their homeroom teacher by cell phone or email to request another copy of the paycheck. Bus Notifications First Student, our transportation provider, uses Honeywell Instant Alert System to notify parents/guardians of bus delays or updates. Text and Phone Blasts KIPP Vision Academy uses texts and phone blasts to communicate important updates and deadlines, as needed. Update Your Contact Information To ensure that you are receiving all of the school communication, please update your contact information if it changes. To update your contact information, visit www.kippvisionacademy.org and click on the Update Contact Information on the homepage.

Telephone Use KIPPsters may only use a school phone by permission from a teacher or other member of the school staff after school hours. As a general rule, the school phones are for school-related business and emergencies. KIPPsters who use a phone without permission from a teacher will be subject to disciplinary procedures.

Teacher Cell Phones All teachers are provided with cell phones. The purpose of the cell phones is to provide parents and KIPPsters access to teachers after school hours. Teachers are required to be available to parents and KIPPsters by cell phone from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. every weekday evening, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays; however, teachers are not available Sundays. Please refrain from calling outside of these hours except in case of emergency. KIPPsters and parents are welcome to call with any questions related to homework, school rules or procedures, or other matters related to a KIPPster’s education.



Keep in mind that teachers are not available to talk while they are teaching; it is therefore best to call teachers in the evening. Parents and KIPPsters who are unable to reach a teacher immediately are asked to leave one message providing their name, number, and the reason for the call, and to wait 24 hours for a response before calling a second time (this holds true for email as well). In case of emergency, KIPPsters and parents may also call the principal, assistant principal or the director of campus operations.

Messages for KIPPsters

Parents should communicate with their scholars before and after school. For example, your scholar should know how they are getting home before arriving at school. KIPP Vision Academy is committed to keeping the phone lines open for emergencies. To communicate transportation changes to staff and your scholar, please complete the daily transportation change request form on our website by 12:00 p.m. We cannot guarantee delivery of messages received after 12:00 p.m. Transportation messages will not be accepted via email, text message, phone or any other communication forms. The form on our website is the only way to communicate transportation changes.

Family Involvement In addition to the duties listed in the signed KVA Parent Commitment Form, parents are expected to model KIPP behavior, follow all KVA rules, policies, procedures, and participate in their children’s learning in the following ways: Regular School Visits - All parents/guardians are encouraged to visit the school regularly throughout the school year to volunteer, participate in a classroom visit, or conduct a parent-teacher-KIPPster conference. To ensure the safety of our KIPPsters as well as consistency, the following protocol is required when visiting the school: All visitors must sign in at the office and put on a visitor sticker or a volunteer sticker. The office staff will verbally direct visitors to the proper class to conduct classroom visits. If a parent wishes to volunteer, s/he should contact a teacher in advance to determine whether there is a need. While in the classrooms, visitors are not permitted in the personal teacher work area.

• All visitors are expected to treat KIPPsters and staff with kindness and respect. In the event that a visitor becomes disrespectful or interferes with the normal operation of the school, s/he will be asked to leave the school premises. The School Leader will determine the length of time the visitor is prohibited from visiting.

• Parent/Guardian, Teacher, KIPPster Conferences - We will hold regular parent-teacher-

KIPPster conferences. When a child earns a grade of “F” in any subject, we expect the child’s parent/guardian to call the teacher of that class to schedule a conference. The parent and the KIPPster should attend the conference in order to discuss how all parties can contribute to the KIPPster’s success.

• PTSA Meetings/Parent University - The KIPP Parent Teacher and Scholar Association

(PTSA) meets once per month to discuss activities to support the school’s efforts. Parents are highly encouraged to get involved in the life of the school by attending PTSA meetings as often as possible. In addition, the PTSA and the parent liaison coordinate



Parent University workshops. These workshops are designed to provide parents with useful information to support their KIPPsters.

• Advisory Board Meetings - The Advisory Board meets the last Tuesday of every month

throughout the year. The meetings are open to the public, and all KIPP Vision Academy parents/guardians are invited to attend whenever they so desire. An agenda will be posted on the school website one week before each meeting. Public comments take place at 6:00 p.m., 30 minutes before the general meeting starts. Any member of the KVA Team and Family may sign up to make public comments.

Communication Protocol It is the expectation that all communication (e-mail, telephone, and in person) is carried out with kindness and respect. All parties should be cordial, transparent and solution- oriented. In the event that communication does not meet the expectations set forth in the commitment forms, a Team and Family meeting will be held. Please note the following statement regarding e-mail communication: The Information Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act limits the use of records of personal information for purposes other than for which it was obtained. It also limits the disclosure of records of personal information.

Procedure for Parent/Guardian Concerns If a parent has a concern or disagreement, they should schedule an appointment to discuss the matter with the teacher and attempt to resolve the disagreement through informal discussion. Parents will not be allowed to address concerns with teachers during instructional time. If there is no resolution to the problem, the parent/guardian should then contact the grade level chair. Finally, if there is no resolution within 24 hours, contact the assistant principal and/or principal. The assistant principal and/or principal will mediate the problem with all parties involved. If a parent is unsatisfied with a decision, he or she may appeal a decision through a formal appeal letter to the executive director. The executive director will respond in writing or in person within a week. If a solution is not found, parents may write an appeal letter to the chair of the KIPP Vision Academy advisory council chair who will respond on behalf of the council in a timely manner. Parents are also welcome to bring their concerns to the next regularly scheduled advisory council meeting.



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Ten Ways To Support Your KIPPster’s Education At Home

1. Check your children’s homework every night to make sure that they have done every assignment written in their agendas, and to make sure that each assignment is completed thoroughly and to the best of their ability.

2. Ask your children to tell you what they learned in school each day. 3. Read books with your children, and read at home yourself so that your children will see you

read. 4. Turn the TV off, and instead play a family game that requires your children to think –

Scrabble, chess, Battleship, and Monopoly are great examples. 5. Instead of splurging on new toys or clothes for your kids, splurge on tickets to a museum, a

jazz concert, a poetry reading, a dance performance, or a play. 6. Call/ email your children’s teachers to ask how they are doing; don’t wait for the teachers

to inform you that there’s a problem! 7. Make sure that your child attends every day of school, including Saturdays and summer

school, unless they are sick or have a family emergency. 8. Take your children for their annual check-ups with their pediatrician. Make sure that their

hearing and vision is screened every year. If they wear glasses, make sure that their prescriptions are up to date, and that their teachers know when they should be wearing them at school!

9. Monitor closely what your child is looking at, especially if you have internet access and/or

cable TV at home. Additionally, pay close attention to the music your child is listening to. 10. Tell your children every day that you value hard work, that you believe in them, and that

you expect them to be successful.



Academic Program Overview The academic program of KIPP Vision Academy is designed to challenge every scholar to achieve on or above grade level performance in all academic subjects. While scholars may enter the school below grade level in many areas, the school is prepared for the challenge of equipping scholars with the knowledge, skills, and scholarly habits necessary for success in an academically rigorous college preparatory high school. The school’s curriculum is based upon the Common Core State Standards, but is accelerated and taught rigorously to ensure that scholars are prepared for a college preparatory high school upon completion of the 8th grade at KIPP Vision Academy. To this end, the academic program of KIPP Vision Academy is geared towards immediately assessing and addressing the deficiencies with which scholars may be entering the school. Throughout their time at KIPP, scholars spend more time in all core academic subjects, providing them with sufficient time to “fill in any holes” that may exist in their academic skills or knowledge through an “accelerated spiraling” instructional approach. This means that while teachers may be moving at a quicker pace, thereby teaching more content and skills than is typical in a given year, they are constantly reviewing and relating new material to prior knowledge and skills. By the end of fifth grade, it is expected that nearly all scholars will be on or above grade level in all academic subjects. As scholars become proficient in their basic academic skills by fifth grade, the sixth through eighth grade academic program provides scholars with more challenging skills and a more content-rich curriculum. KIPP Vision Academy provides the basic age-appropriate curriculum for reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies at each grade level. The school’s Fine Arts and Intervention Program supplement these courses. A KIPP Vision Staff Member will also teach an Advisory Course, which consists of instruction in the school’s values, life skills, and habits of a scholar. Scholars in the upper school will also have the option to take a sexual education class. The core curriculum areas include those subjects that are taught daily:

Reading During Reading instruction, scholars focus on the following:

• Decoding skills • Vocabulary development • Fluency and reading with expression • Reading comprehension with a variety of genres

By the time scholars leave 8th grade, it is expected that they will not only have a love for reading, but also will feel comfortable reading, comprehending, and analyzing difficult literature from a variety of challenging genres. Scholars will be equipped to engage in intelligent discussions about books they have read and will be skilled in critiquing the literary value of such texts. It is highly suggested that scholars read independently, at least 30 minutes every evening in order to build their fluency and comprehension/vocabulary skills in order to meet demands of the rigorous common core standard’s expectations.



Language Arts Given the importance of effective oral and written communication skills, during 5th and 6th grades, scholars at KIPP Vision Academy have the advantage of receiving instruction in a Language Arts class that is separate from their traditional Reading class. While the two classes have integrated themes and instruction, the Language Arts class focuses specifically on developing scholars’ communication skills. During the Language Arts class, scholars focus on the following:

• Grammar and mechanics • Spelling • Oral presentations and interviews • Fluency and organization in written expression with a variety of genres • Creativity in writing • Research skills

In 7th and 8th grades, these concepts will be covered in an integrated English class.

Mathematics In Grade 5, instructional time should focus on three critical areas: (1) developing fluency with addition and subtraction of fractions, and developing understanding of the multiplication of fractions and of division of fractions in limited cases (unit fractions divided by whole numbers and whole numbers divided by unit fractions); (2) extending division to 2-digit divisors, integrating decimal fractions into the place value system and developing understanding of operations with decimals to hundredths, and developing fluency with whole number and decimal operations; and (3) developing understanding of volume.

The 6th grade through 8th grade standards are organized using domains, overarching ideas that connect topics across the grades, clusters that illustrate progression of increasing complexity from grade to grade, and standards which define what scholars should know and be able to do at each grade level. These standards include skills and knowledge – what scholars need to know and be able to do, as well as mathematical practices – habits of mind that scholars should develop to foster mathematical understanding and expertise.

The 6th grade through 8th grade standards are organized in the following domains: ratios and proportional relationships, the number system, expressions and equations, functions, geometry, and statistics and probability.

Having built a strong foundation in K-5, scholars are prepared for robust learning in geometry, algebra, and probability and statistics in middle school.

The middle school standards provide a coherent and rich preparation for high school mathematics.



Science Developing scholars with experience in scientific inquiry, problem solving, and reference skills is an essential part of the Science curriculum at KIPP Vision Academy. During 5th grade, scholars study a broad range of science topics in the areas of Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth & Space Science. During the years following 5th grade, scholars focus on one specific strand as follows:

• 5th grade: Earth Science • 6th grade: Earth and Space Science • 7th grade: Life Science • 8th grade: Physical Science

These advanced classes emphasize experiencing science through the framework of the scientific method and hands-on, inquiry-oriented instruction, including demonstrations, laboratory work, scientific models, and technology. Throughout the four years of study, scholars become proficient in completing experiments and in researching scientific topics.

Social Studies The Social Studies curriculum of KIPP Vision Academy aligns with Georgia Performance Standards. During 5th grade, scholars receive instruction in economics, civics, United States history, and United States geography. The 6th grade curriculum includes instruction in the history and geography of the Americas, Europe, and Oceania, while seventh graders focus on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Eighth grade scholars study the history, geography, government, and economics of the state of Georgia. Throughout the historical studies, scholars are exposed to the importance of people groups who have been historically discriminated against, including women, Native Americans, African Americans, and other cultural groups. Geography skills are also an important component of the Social Studies curriculum at KIPP Vision Academy. Each year, scholars are tested on the geographical region of focus for their grade level. The assessments consist of a blank map that the scholars must label as follows: (a) in 5th grade, a map of all fifty states and their capital cities; (b) in 6th grade, a map of all countries, major rivers, and mountain ranges, in North America, South America, Australia and Europe; (c) in 7th grade, a map of all countries, major rivers, and mountain ranges in Asia and Africa; and (d) in 8th grade, a map of all major cities, rivers, lakes, mountains, and historic sites in the state of Georgia.

Fine Arts The Fine Arts Department’s mission is to educate, challenge, and inspire our students through the fine arts; thereby, enabling them to reach their artistic, creative, and expressive potential. We offer a variety of performing and visual arts courses such as dance, percussion ensemble, and art. During 5th grade, scholars work to develop basic skills in the arts. During this time, scholars do not perform in school wide performances so that they can focus on developmental skills. After the 5th grade, students will focus heavily on perfecting their chosen craft in the following areas:



• Fundamental, concept and skills • Skills and techniques/performances • Cultural and historical context • Expression of ideas, experiences, feelings and images • Reflection, analysis and evaluation • School and community performance requirements • Content-specific field lessons • Exchanging and relating ideas, experiences and meaning in the arts

Throughout studying the arts, scholars are exposed to the importance of being culturally well-rounded as well as bringing culture to our community. Research shows that scholars who are exposed to the arts develop and hone the following skills:

• Creativity • Confidence • Problem-solving • Perseverance • Non- verbal communication • Ability to receive constructive criticism • Collaboration • Dedication • Accountability

It is important that you encourage your scholar to select one fine art that he/she will remain committed to throughout time at KIPP Vision Academy. Building artistic value and exceptional skill within our scholars will require many years of consistent study. Throughout their time at KIPP Vision Academy, our goal is to produce world class artists!

Parent-Teacher Communication Along with teachers giving KIPPsters and parents/guardians ongoing feedback about KIPPster performance, it is also the responsibility of the parents/guardians to communicate regularly (via phone calls, emails, or letters) with teachers about their KIPPster’s performance if there are any concerns. Grade updates, progress reports, and report cards are sent home or provided at the school for pickup throughout the year. Please refer to the school calendar for specific dates. Teachers may also send quizzes and tests home for parents/guardians to sign, and teachers contact parents/guardians if they see a significant slip in academic performance or a special skill that needs extra practice at school and home.

Advisory and Character Development Character development will be provided for 5th and 6th grade scholars throughout the year and will focus on school values, teamwork and acceptable social skills. During 7th and 8th grade



Advisory classes for scholars, instruction is focused on developing the character skills, leadership skills, and scholarly habits necessary for success in a college preparatory high school. The school’s values are focused on during this time, and behavior problems within the school community are addressed in a proactive team environment. Scholars are introduced to note-taking and study skills, and receive assistance with preparing for major tests. Scholars practice interview skills and interaction in formal settings, including appropriate handshakes, making eye contact, and other social norms. Moreover, scholars discuss and debate current events and political issues and also address relevant topics of concern within their generation and community. Advisory classes also provide scholars an opportunity to discuss issues related to living healthy lifestyles with regard to diet, hygiene, and other health related issues.

Evaluation Tools KIPP Vision Academy believes that there needs to be a wide array of assessments including school-developed assessments to track specific skills and learning, state exams to ensure that scholars are meeting all state standards, and national exams to help KIPP Vision Academy faculty see the strengths and weaknesses of its methods measured against national norms. KIPP Vision Academy measures the impact and success of its academic programs utilizing several forms of evaluation and assessment. Evaluation and assessment are conducted on an annual, quarterly, weekly, and daily basis in all curriculum areas. Scholars are assessed using the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), which provides data with regard to the scholars’ overall performance in reading, language arts, and math. This test is administered to all scholars during the fall, winter and spring. These test results are used to inform teachers’ instruction and to measure their progress throughout the year. In addition to the MAP, the school also develops benchmarks to be administered during the summer session and at the end of each quarter throughout the year. The results from these benchmarks are used as teachers develop their sequence of instruction and make decisions with regard to the allocation of time on specific standards. KIPP Vision Academy participates in all required statewide testing and KIPP Metro Atlanta assessments, as outlined in the following table. Georgia Milestones Measures of

Academic Progress (MAP)

UGA Writing Assessment

KIPP Metro Atlanta Quarterly Benchmark Assessments

Grade 5 X X X X Grade 6 X X X Grade 7 X X X Grade 8 X X X X

Homework Procedure KIPPsters have homework every night. They receive homework assignments in every class they attend on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; they generally receive a reduced load



on Friday. In general, KIPPsters should have about two hours of homework each night on school nights, and about an hour of homework over the weekend. Preparation and practice are an important part of the KIPP curriculum, and no KIPPster is excused from any assignment without the permission of his or her teacher prior to the due date. It is essential that KIPPsters complete all homework assignments, and that they do them to the best of their ability, taking no shortcuts and striving towards excellence. Scholars will be responsible for recording their assignments in a daily agenda, which will be provided by the school. Each night, the parent is responsible for signing the agenda and signing all homework assignments. Please note that any assignment not signed by a parent is considered incomplete and will result in consequences for the scholar. Homework will be checked each morning. Children are responsible for returning all assignments promptly and completely. Homework that has been done with little effort (i.e. the scholar rushes through just to get done, does not show math work, answers questions in incomplete sentences, or does not follow instructions) is considered incomplete. At KIPP Vision Academy, there are NO EXCUSES for incomplete or missing homework. Scholars who have questions about their assignments are expected to call their teachers. Homework will make up part of the scholars’ grade in every class; however, the portion of the scholars’ grades in each class that is based on homework shall not exceed 15% of the total grade in that class. If a scholar does not complete a graded homework assignment on the day that it is due, his or her grade will be recorded as a zero, and the assignment may not be made up. Scholars who come to school with incomplete or missing assignments (regardless of the reason) will face any or all of following consequences:

§ Scholars have the opportunity to earn 1 scholar dollar per homework assignment they turn in each morning. If an assignment is not complete, they lose the opportunity to earn that scholar dollar and start off with less money. If a scholar returns no homework, he or she has five less dollars to begin with (which means they have very few dollars they can lose before consequences are implemented).

§ Scholars will be required to serve Silent Lunch Detention in order to finish their assignments that day.

Teachers may also institute additional consequences at their own discretion, which may include additional assignments, homework contracts, homework call plans, or any other reasonable consequence deemed appropriate by the teacher.

Grading/Report Cards Division of School Year into Quarters/Semesters The school year is broken into four grading periods (quarters) for 5th grade, and two grading periods (semesters) for 6th through 8th grades. The terms are long enough to allow KIPPsters multiple opportunities to demonstrate academic progress and mastery of specific skills.



Grade Updates Grade updates provide KIPPsters and parents with a more detailed look at the KIPPster’s grade. The grade updates are printed weekly for each of your KIPPster’s subjects and include a list of each assignment along with your child’s score on the assignment. Parents/guardians may request a printed grade update at any time during the school year by calling the teacher directly. Additionally, parents may access their children’s grades online at any time and from any computer via their Kickboard Login. Login information for each child must be picked up by the parent or guardian with a photo ID in the office and will be available in early fall. Progress Reports Progress reports are sent home weekly in the Tuesday Packet. The progress report is not part of the KIPPster’s formal academic record. Rather, it is an opportunity to communicate with parents/guardians about how their children are doing at the halfway point in the quarter or at the quarter. Based on the progress report, parents/guardians may call or request a conference with any teacher. Report Cards The school year is broken into four (4) grading periods. The marking periods are long enough to allow KIPPsters several opportunities to demonstrate mastery of specific skills. In addition, multiple means are used to determine KIPPsters’ grades and assess their skill levels. At the end of each marking period, KIPPsters will receive grades in all core academic classes. At the end of each quarter/semester, the parents/guardians must come to the school and pick up the report card. Report card pick-up will take place on Saturdays. The report card is the formal academic record for the KIPPster. Please note that the 4th quarter report card will be mailed home by May 31, 2017. Categories of Assessment & Their Value in Determining Quarter/Semester Grades All teachers will assess KIPPster progress and mastery of skills through a variety of assessment tools, including homework and quizzes/tests. Depending on the content and nature of the particular class, teachers may also use other assessment tools, such as labs, journals, projects, and class participation.

Classwork - Classwork will make up a large part of a KIPPster’s grade. Specifically, classwork will count for 25% of a KIPPsters’ final grade. Classwork consists of a variety of assignments and tasks, such as morning work, that the KIPPsters complete on a daily basis. Homework - Homework will count for 15% of each KIPPster’s final grade. Most teachers grade homework based on the KIPPster’s effort in relation to their skills. Teachers use a system of checkmarks, which have the following meanings, and correlate to the following numeric grades: √+ = The KIPPster has completed the assignment to the best of his/her ability. = 100% √ = The KIPPster has demonstrated a good level of effort. = 89% √- = The KIPPster has demonstrated less than adequate effort. = 79% – = The KIPPster has demonstrated minimal or no effort. = 70% Teachers may decide to assign a numerical value to a homework assignment in lieu of the system of checkmarks.



Quizzes - Quizzes will count for 30% of a KIPPster’s final grade. Most quizzes are given on a weekly to bi-weekly basis. Tests - Tests will count for 30% of a KIPPster’s final grade. Tests are usually administered at the conclusion of a unit. Projects - Projects will count for 30% of a KIPPster’s final grade. KIPPsters will get at least one project per quarter for 5th grade, and two per semester for 6th through 8th grades. Participation - Teachers may, but are not required to, include classroom participation in their classwork grades. Participation grades are given according to the same checkmark scale that they use for homework. In assigning participation grades, teachers consider the extent to which the KIPPsters have contributed meaningfully to their own and their classmates’ learning during class. Teachers who include classroom participation grades as part of their grading scheme must record participation grades at least bi-weekly throughout the term. Participation grades will go into the class work section of the grading system. Please note that the Fine Arts and P.E. grading scales will differ from what is described above.

Final Grades In determining final (cumulative) grades for the year, each quarter is weighted equally. Ensuring the Fairness & Accuracy of KIPPster Assessments If more than half of a class fails a quiz, test, or project the teacher will give the KIPPsters an opportunity to improve their grade on that assignment. Teachers may accomplish this in a number of ways, including but not limited to allowing KIPPsters to redo the assignment or allowing KIPPsters to make corrections for partial credit.

Make-Up Work Make-Up Work Following KIPPster Absence When KIPPsters are absent, they are expected to make up all classwork, tests, quizzes, and homework assignments that they missed while they were away from school. Upon their return from an absence, KIPPsters are given a number of days equal to the number of days they were absent to complete and turn in all missed assignments. If they turn in the work within the requisite time period, KIPPsters may earn full credit for the work. If they do not turn in the work within the requisite time period, KIPPsters will earn a zero for that assignment. Late Work If KIPPsters fail to complete classwork even though they are present, one day to make up the work may be given at the teacher’s discretion. If KIPPsters fail to complete homework and project assignments, they have one day to make up the work. Ten points will be taken from the grade in either case for the work being late.



Resubmission of Unsatisfactory Work If a homework, classwork, or project assignment grade is unsatisfactory to the teacher and/or KIPPster, the KIPPster may redo and resubmit the assignment within one day from the date the assignment was returned. The grade on the redone assignment may increase by no more than one letter grade. No KIPPster can earn more than 100% on resubmitted assignments.

Summer School KIPP Vision Academy runs a two-week intensive, academic Summer Session in July. The goal of the Summer Session is to give scholars a “jump start” for the upcoming academic year. All scholars are required to attend the entire summer session every year.

Field Lessons Field lessons are provided on a regular basis to all scholars except for in the event of egregious behavior. Field lessons are designed to complement instruction that is occurring in the classroom. Parents will be asked to pay a one-time scholar fee of $80.00 in August. This will cover a cardigan and admission and food for eight field trips. The scholar fee is non-refundable and must be paid in full by the last business day in August. There is an electronic permission slip for field trips. Completing the electronic permission slip will give your scholar permission to attend the eight (8) field trips included in the annual scholar fee. The permission slip must be completed in order for your scholar to attend. At the end of the school year, there is a grade level End of Year Trip, which may involve staying overnight outside of Atlanta. There will be a separate fee for End of Year Trips that will be determined and communicated to parents during the first quarter. By signing the Commitment to Excellence parents agree to allow their child to participate in field trips. On some trips, a limited number of parents may be invited to help chaperone. Chaperones will be selected on a first come, first serve basis.

Tutoring At KIPP Vision Academy, we believe that ALL scholars WILL learn. To this end, scholars may be able to receive extra help/tutoring during certain times of the day. Scholars should understand that teachers ask them to come for extra help because they care about their academic performance. Scholars may be assigned to (or volunteer for) tutoring classes that meet at scheduled times during the day. Scholars may also have tutors come during the lunch/break time or during enrichment classes. In addition, some scholars may occasionally be invited to stay after school for additional tutoring or homework help. Teachers may also restrict some tutoring sessions to certain scholars who may need targeted assistance that may not otherwise be possible with other scholars in attendance.

Supplies Each year, teachers will publish the supply list required for scholars at the beginning of the school year. In addition to lists published by teachers, scholars will need to have the following school supplies each day:

• loose leaf paper • two #2 pencils



• colored pencils

In addition, scholars will need a basic dictionary and thesaurus at home for use on homework assignments. Scholars who come to school without their required supplies will face consequences for being unprepared for class. Scholars may save their scholar dollars to purchase these materials as they are available in the School Store, but there is no guarantee that these materials will be available.



III. School Culture and Scholar Discipline



Scholar Dress Code The uniform will consist of the following:

• 5th grade scholars are required to wear a KIPP Vision Academy blazer, dress shirt and necktie (boys)/cross tie (girls).

• 6th – 8th grade scholars are required to wear a KIPP Vision Academy polo. o Prior to earning their first uniform shirt, scholars must wear the KIPP Vision Academy

summer school t-shirt (can be purchased during orientation for $10.00). § Once a scholar earns their first uniform shirt, summer school t-shirts may

only be worn on Fridays. o The official uniform dress shirt/polo must be earned. Once a scholar has earned a

KIPP Vision Academy uniform shirt, they are required to wear it to school every day, except for Fridays and Saturdays when they can opt to wear any KIPP shirt they have earned.

o All scholars will be provided with a KIPP Vision Academy dress shirt and necktie/cross tie free of charge. 5th grade scholars must wear the dress shirt every day except for Fridays where another earned KIPP shirt may be worn. 6th – 8th grade scholars may wear the KIPP Vision Academy dress shirt in lieu of the polo. The dress shirt must always be worn with the necktie/cross tie.

o All uniform items with the exception of blazers, dress shirts and neckties/crossties may be purchased at Charter School Uniforms located at 1412 Moreland Avenue - Atlanta, GA 30316

§ Blazers, dress shirts and neck ties/cross ties may be purchased at the school or through our website. There is a 7-10 business days turnaround on these items.

o During the winter, a KIPP Vision Academy jacket can be purchased from Charter School Uniforms to wear over the uniform shirt. The KIPP Vision Academy blazer and jacket are the only outerwear that can be work inside the building. Other outerwear must be removed upon entering the building.

o Shirts MUST be tucked in at all times! o On Fridays scholars are allowed to wear any KIPP t-shirt or college t-shirt.

• Beige Khaki pants, shorts, skirt, skort, or jumper. o Purchased by the parent at store of choice o Should be free of any designs, embellishments, or contrasting accent colors o No baggy pants o Pants should have belt loops o No pants with elastic bands o Pants cannot sag o Shorts, skirts, skorts, and jumpers should not be more than 1 inch above the knee o Clothing should not be tight o Jogger pants and shorts are not part of the KIPP Vision Academy uniform and

may not be worn at any time. o Cargo shorts and pants are not part of the KIPP Vision Academy uniform and may

not be worn at any time. • Scholars may only wear plain (short-sleeve), white shirts underneath their uniforms (short-

sleeve or long-sleeve). Writings or designs should not be visible through the polo. Scholars may not wear long-sleeve thermal shirts under short-sleeve uniform polos. Scholars will be told to remove any shirts not in compliance with the dress code.

• Belts are required for all items that have belt loops. Chains, pocket watches, or any other accessory should not be attached to the belt. Scarves, fabric, and other non-belt



material may not be substituted for a belt. Belts can be worn only if they are sold as a belt.

o Belts should be black or brown • Shoes

o No “flip-flops” or sandals o Any shoes with a heel taller than an inch are not allowed o All shoes, sneakers, or boots should be enclosed

• Socks o Socks, tights, or pantyhose should always be worn with shoes (no footless

leggings). o Socks must be white, black or gray and should not be worn above the knee. o No designs are permitted on socks

• Athletic Uniforms o Seasonal athletic uniforms and outerwear may only be worn on game day o Athletic uniforms and outerwear may only be worn by the athlete whom the

uniform or outerwear belongs to • No suspenders should be worn over any uniform shirt. • Scholars and parents should make every effort to ensure that the uniform shirts and pants

are cleaned regularly. Torn or worn clothing should be replaced. • Any jewelry worn around the neck should be worn inside of the uniform shirt • All girl earrings should not be larger than a nickel (in circumference). Earrings should be

free of glitter, or any other embellishments. • Any earrings worn by a male scholar should not exceed the size of quarter inch. • Hair should be free of glitter or hair color. • Headbands can be worn only if they are sold as a headband. No homemade

headbands will be allowed. Headbands should have nothing hanging or dangling from them.

• Nails should be free of any artificial enhancement (acrylic, silk wraps, press-ons, rhinestones, etc.). In addition, nails should be free of extravagant designs.

• No additional objects should be added to or attached to the unifroms.

Scholars may not wear the following: • Tight clothing • Colored shirts underneath the polo • Any headwear such as bandanas, hats, scarves, caps, etc., unless deemed cultural or

religious • Any gang related attire • Makeup with excessive coloring • Lipstick or excessive lipgloss • Large chains or other excessive jewelry • Body tattoos or body piercings • Attire with any reference to death (i.e. skulls, poison logos, etc.) • Cargo shirts • Cargo pants • Cargo shorts • KIPP Athletic jackets that do not belong to them • Non-KIPP jackets of any type

The school reserves the right to add to this list as concerns or problems arise.



Uniform Violation Consequences

• Scholars who come to school not abiding by any of the above policies will receive a deduction on their paychecks.

• Blatant uniform violations (no uniform shirt or no khaki bottoms) or consistent violations (no belt for several days) will result in the parent being contacted immediately to bring the appropriate item and/or the scholar being sent home for the day.

Dress Code Rationale

• The mission of KIPP Vision Academy is to develop well-disciplined scholars who will be prepared for a college preparatory high school when they leave our school. In light of this, all scholars will be taught how a scholar acts, how a scholar presents him or herself in appearance, and the skills necessary to be a scholar. The school believes that scholars appear more scholarly when they are wearing an attractive uniform, and it also believes that scholars will act more scholarly because they will feel good about their appearance.

• Another value of the school is that of “teamwork”. Just as members on a sports team are required to wear a uniform in order to show their strength in unity, so too are scholars of the KIPP Vision Academy team.

• Scholars in middle school often spend too much time and energy worrying about which scholars are wearing the name brand clothes. If our focus is on developing scholars, the scholars at KIPP Vision Academy will need to spend all of their time and energy focusing on their education, not on comparing clothing.

Scholar Cell Phones Scholars at KIPP Vision Academy do not need cell phones during the day and will not be allowed to have them during the day at KIPP Vision Academy. The use of cellular phones or PEDs is forbidden for all students at all times during the instructional day. The instructional day includes, but is not limited to, lunch breaks, class changes, study halls and any other structured or unstructured instructional activity that occurs during the normal school day. Should a scholar make a decision to bring a cell phone to school each day they must do so with a signed permission from a parent or guardian and with the understanding that all cell phones must be turned off and checked into the leadership office each morning during arrival. The possession of cellular telephones and other personal electronic devices (PEDs) is a privilege extended only to high school students. Due to the potential disruption a cellular telephone or PED may cause to the instructional environment, the disciplinary actions outlined in the Electronic Device Policy will be strictly enforced if the PEDs are visible during the school day. This prohibition includes all emergency situations unless the student is directed to use a cellular telephone or PED by a KIPP employee or other official. Scholars will be allowed to retrieve their cell phone during afternoon dismissal. Scholars are expected to uphold the check-in and check-out process relating to cell phones and failure to do so will be reflected in Weekly Paychecks. Any scholars found in violation of this policy will have the following consequences: • First Offense: Confiscated by teacher or adult and turned into school culture coordinator.



Cell phone may be picked up by a family member over the age of 18 from school culture coordinator.

• Second Offense: Confiscated by teacher or adult and turned into school culture coordinator. There will be a $25 fee to pick up the cell phone from school culture coordinator.

• Third Offense: Confiscated by teacher or adult and turned into school culture coordinator. There will be a $50 fee and mandatory hearing to determine further consequences.

If cell phone violations continue, scholars will be at risk for further consequences. KIPP Vision Academy is not responsible for the theft, loss or damage of cell phones on our property. It is our HIGH recommendation that cell phones be left at home, as scholars do not need them on campus.

Personal Belongings Scholars are not allowed to bring the following items to school:

Pencil Sharpeners Candy and Gum (including sugar mixtures) Soda or strong “power” drinks Any illegal substance Weapons and toy weapons Stuffed animals or dolls Game boys or any other electronic toys Portable radio, disc man, walkman, iPod, e-

readers and laptops etc. Card games and toys

Junk food (candy, kool-aid, Sunflower seeds, takis, etc.)

***The school reserves the right to add to this list at any time.*** If a KIPPster is found with any of the above listed items at school, such items will be confiscated immediately. Candy, gum, other food items, and make-up will be disposed of; other items will be turned in to the assistant principal and returned to the KIPPster’s parent/guardian only. If an item is not picked up within ten days it will be donated to a charitable cause. KIPP Vision Academy is not responsible for items left over ten days. Any illegal substances or weapons (including toy weapons) will be confiscated and reported to the proper authorities. The following items may be brought to school, but they must remain in the KIPPster’s locker during the school day: Lunch Hair brushes, picks, and combs Lotion Deodorant and other toiletries Bookbag Purse If any of the above-listed items are seen outside of the locker during the school day, such items will be confiscated and disposed of immediately. There are no bookbags allowed in classrooms. All bookbags and lockers must stay in lockers.



The Paycheck Management System In order to ensure that the school’s values are respected at all times, the scholar management system at KIPP Vision Academy is centered on maintaining the school values and promoting success. The school believes that scholars should be empowered to understand that their choices in life determine if they are rewarded or punished. Scholars who choose to uphold the school’s values are rewarded, but scholars who choose to not uphold them are held accountable and must “pay” the consequences. This philosophy is reflected in the school’s Checkbook Management System, in which scholars receive “Scholar Dollars” for displaying the school’s core values of respect, unity, positive choices, diligence and fun but lose money for not upholding these values. Scholars will also receive “Adinkras” for going above and beyond in the aforementioned values.

Paycheck Procedures

• Each scholar in the school has a weekly paycheck, which captures his or her behavior and quality of homework throughout the week. Scholars may earn money for scholarly habits and quality homework, but may lose money for choosing not to uphold one of the school’s values. The money the scholars earn comes in the form of fake “scholar dollars” which may be used for purchasing items at the school store, including school supplies, snacks, games, etc.

• Scholars earn scholar dollars for coming to school on time, submitting quality homework, and having their agenda signed each day. Typically a scholar may earn up to eight (8) scholar dollars per day: 2 dollars for coming to school on time (scholars only earn 1 dollar if they come to school but are tardy); 1 dollar for having their agenda signed; and 5 dollars for having quality homework assignments for all five classes (scholars earn 1 dollar per assignment). Scholars who miss a day of school may still earn 6 dollars by returning their make-up work on time.

• If a scholar chooses to not uphold one of the school’s values, then money is deducted from that scholar’s checkbook.

• When a scholar violates one of the core values (positive choices, unity, respect, diligence, and fun), the scholar loses the appropriate amount of money from his or her checkbook and the violation is recorded on the checkbook (see the levels of infractions below). Detailed notes are made on the checkbook and a new balance is calculated.

• When a scholar does not have quality homework for a given class she/he will not receive a $1 for that assignment. The scholar will be given feedback in order to improve the homework for the next day.

• If a scholar does something exceptionally well or goes above and beyond in upholding one of the values, the teacher may credit money to that scholar’s account (ranging from $1 to $5, depending upon the act) and/or award the scholar an Adinkra. For example, if a teacher “catches” a scholar picking up trash in the hallway or displaying the value of positive choices, the scholar may earn up to $5. For truly exceptional acts, the scholar may earn Adinkras.

• The amount of money a scholar earns over time also determines his/her eligibility for field lessons and incentive activities offered by the school. Scholars are not penalized for spending their money at the school store; field lesson eligibility is determined strictly by dollars EARNED and is not inclusive of dollars spent. Further, money is not deducted from scholars’ accounts when they attend field lessons.



• Teachers are constantly monitoring scholars’ paychecks and enforcing consequences for scholars who have significant deductions. Additional consequences may be enforced at the teacher’s or administrator’s discretion based upon the severity of the infractions.

• At the end of the week, paycheck totals are calculated, and a summary is sent home in the Tuesday Folder. Every scholar is expected to return the paycheck summary signed by his or her parent on Tuesday morning. If the paycheck is not returned by Wednesday he or she loses $1 per day until the paycheck is returned.

• Scholars may earn up to $40 scholar dollars, in one week (in addition to bonus credits). Scholars are expected to maintain a total of $33 or more. If a scholar has a total that is below this balance, he or she will have to serve AP detention. These dollar amounts will vary depending on the number of days we attend school in a week.

• Scholars receiving a behavior total lower than $25 will be on behavior AP. The level of Behavior AP will be determined by the amount of a scholar’s paycheck ranging from 1 day of after school detention to 3 days of after school detention.

Rewards At KIPP Vision Academy, we believe that you are not entitled to the rewards of life; but rather you earn rewards through hard work and determination. Polo Shirts Wearing a KIPP Vision Academy polo shirt is a special privilege that KIPPsters must earn every year by attending every day in its entirety during the summer school session. KIPPsters can also earn their polo for attending for two consecutive weeks of school and earning a paycheck of $35 or above starting in the regular school year. Each year, the KIPPsters earn a new color polo shirt: 5th graders wear green, 6th graders wear orange, 7th graders wear blue, and 8th graders wear purple. Until they have earned their polos, KIPPsters may only wear their KVA Summer School t-shirts. Lockers/Cubbies Lockers and cubbies are a convenient way for KIPPsters to store their belongings throughout the school day. All KIPPsters must earn the privilege to have a locker or cubby at KVA. Once the locker/cubby is earned, KIPPsters and parents sign a locker/cubby agreement dependent on grade level. Dress-Down Days A dress-down day allows a KIPPster to express his/her individuality through his/her attire. The expectation is for the KIPPster to wear garments that fit appropriately and are non-offensive. Dress-down days are for 7th and 8th grade KIPPsters only. They are awarded based on paycheck totals. KIPP Vision Academy reserves the right to disallow any article of clothing that is deemed inappropriate for a dress-down day, and the KIPPster will be required to change into the school uniform.



Funtumfunafu Society The top 30% paycheck earners each quarter will be inducted into the Funtumfunafu Society. Scholars can either be gold, silver or bronze Funtumfunafu Society Members. The level of Funtumfunafu is determined by a scholar’s paycheck as well as the recommendations of their teachers and their GPA for the quarter. This is the highest honor at KIPP Vision Academy. Scholars who are inducted into the society are recognized as leaders in the school, participate in weekly meetings and have earned the right to participate in a variety of fun activities.

Be Nice Academy Be Nice Academy will serve as a consequence for those scholars who disrupt the learning environment of other scholars or violate the school’s code of conduct in any other way. What determines if a scholar is placed in “Be Nice Academy”? When a scholar’s weekly paycheck amount falls below $25 she/he will be placed in Be Nice Academy. What does Be Nice Academy consist of? Be Nice Academy has several components. When a scholar is in Be Nice Academy, he or she must attend silent lunch, and write a given amount of commitments, complete a reflection and have a restorative conversation with a member of the Culture Team. How long will a scholar be placed in Be Nice Academy? The number of days a scholar will be in Be Nice Academy is determined by her/his weekly paycheck amount.

Paycheck Amount Be Nice Academy Level

Lunch Detention

Days

Written Reflections

# Of Scholar Commitments

$25 or below Level 1 1 1

2

$21 to $16 Level 2 2

2 4

$15 or below Level 3 3

2 + Homework 6 How will a scholar get out of Be Nice Academy? Scholars will no longer be in Be Nice Academy once they have served their time and all assignments are completed. Written assignments must be completed on the last day of Be Nice Academy. For example, if a scholar earns 2 days of Be Nice Academy and waits until the second day to try to complete her/his written work that scholar must stay for Be Nice Academy on the third day until the assignment is completed.



What happens if my child is in Be Nice Academy week after week? Scholars who earn Be Nice Academy for consecutive weeks will receive additional consequences. Number of Weeks in Be Nice Academy

Consequence

2 Scholar Restorative Circle

3 Parent Restorative Circle High Flyer Plan

4 Restorative Project

5 Parent shadows classes for a day

6 In-School Suspension

7 Accountability Agreement

8 Out of School Suspension

Bus Behavior and Consequences

At KIPP Vision Academy, we set the same high standards for behavior on our school buses as we do in our classrooms. Riding the school bus is not a right, but a privilege funded by KIPP Vision Academy. On the bus, KIPPsters are expected to stay in their seats with their seatbelts fastened (if applicable), and to read or work on homework quietly. Monitoring KIPPster behavior when KIPPsters are not in our presence presents a serious challenge, so we rely primarily on the KIPPsters’ integrity, bus drivers, bus monitors and bus cameras to report instances of misbehavior on the bus. However, we thoroughly investigate all allegations of serious misbehavior on the bus – whether it is brought to our attention by drivers, monitors, KIPPsters, or parents. We consider bus behavior to be serious when it poses a threat to the safety or well-being of the KIPPsters; such misbehaviors include but are not limited to standing or walking while the bus is in motion, insubordination, fighting, throwing things inside or out of the bus, making inappropriate sexual remarks or gestures, taking out and/or using cell phone without permission, and use of profanity on the bus. At a minimum, instances of serious misbehavior on the bus will be strictly enforced as follows:

1. On the first occasion that a KIPPster behaves in a way that threatens the children’s safety or welfare, the KIPPster will be suspended from the bus for a period of three days. If the behavior is a Level 2 or Level 3 offense, the KIPPster will have the additional consequence listed in the matrix.

2. On the second occasion that a KIPPster engages in serious bus misbehavior, the KIPPster

will be suspended from the bus for a period of one calendar month. The KIPPster’s



parent must also come to the school for a conference with a member of the school administration before the KIPPster may resume riding the bus. If the behavior is a Level 2 or Level 3 offense, the KIPPster will have the additional consequence listed in the matrix.

3. On the third occasion that a KIPPster engages in serious bus misbehavior, the KIPPster will

lose his/her privilege of riding the bus for the remainder of the school year. If the behavior is a Level 2 or Level 3 offense

Ensuring Consistency in Implementation The Paycheck Management System is designed to be an objective approach for managing scholar behavior and quality work, and it provides for a structure in which scholars and teachers are clear what the consequences are for specific behaviors. The system also empowers the teachers to manage behavioral problems within their classroom, while communicating effectively with other teachers throughout the school. Moreover, the principal and assistant principal, are also intimately involved in the process and can assign or remove scholars from the Behavior Administrative Punishment. Although the above procedures represent the consistent and planned approach for dealing with behavior problems, the school reserves the right to modify this system at any point in the school year. This may involve changing the amount of scholar dollars scholars are eligible to receive, revising the level of infractions, and/or overhauling the entire checkbook management system as needed. The school recognizes that management systems need to be flexible to meet the needs of teachers and scholars. In the event that any major aspect of the checkbook management system is changed, parents will be notified in writing about the revisions. Suggestions for Consequences at Home We have found that consequences at school are most effective when they are reinforced by consequences at home. We may therefore recommend that you restrict your child’s freedoms and privileges at home when your child has repeatedly fallen short of KIPP expectations. Continuing to buy or give KIPPsters things they ’want’ as opposed to what they ‘need’ when they are in trouble at school weakens the expectations we have set at the school. At-home consequences that very effectively for KIPPsters at KVA include:

• Loss of television. • Loss of video games. • Loss of privileges to play outside. • Loss of sports or other extra-curricular activities. For example, going to a friend’s party,

the mall, sleepover, etc. • Loss of cell phone privileges. • Loss of computer/internet privileges. • Only supplying KIPPster with needs instead of wants. For example, new sneakers, new

clothes, etc. • Family discussion around the incident



Expulsion from KVA to KIPPster’s Neighborhood School KIPPsters may be considered for expulsion in the following four situations:

1. In circumstances where state and/or federal law requires expulsion of a KIPPster from a public school, KIPPsters will be treated in accordance with KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools discipline policy.

2. KIPPster has repeatedly committed an offense listed in the Consequence Matrix which

results in a team and family meeting to discuss possible expulsion. 3. KIPPsters may be considered for expulsion when they pose an immediate threat to the

safety of the school or its KIPPsters, staff, or other school community members. The prinicapl may reach the decision that a KIPPster poses such a safety threat only after s/he or his/her designee has conducted a reasonable investigation of the facts, and such facts support a reasonable conclusion that the KIPPster is guilty of the alleged violations. In such cases, the prinicpal will impose a long-term suspension pending the final expulsion decision. The school shall attempt to notify the parent/guardian by phone by the end of the first day of such suspension. In addition, a written notice will be mailed home. Such notification shall include:

• a description of the incident(s) that resulted the consideration of a expulsion decision; and

• notice that the KIPPster is being considered for expulsion to his/her neighborhood school; and

• the duration of the long-term suspension that has been imposed; and • the date and time of a Team & Family Meeting with the prinicapl to make a

final determination about expulsion.

4. KIPPsters may be considered for expulsion when they have repeatedly and consistently failed to uphold their commitment as outlined in the KIPP Vision Academy KIPPster Commitment form, and they have spent multiple consecutive weeks in the Detention. In such circumstances, expulsion may be considered only if:

• a Behavior Contract has been developed for the KIPPster, • parent/guardian has not fulfilled his/her terms of the Behavior Contract, and • the KIPPster has failed to demonstrate substantial effort or progress toward

complying with the terms of his/her behavior contract. The school shall attempt to notify the parent/guardian in-person, by phone, or by a certified letter of the recommendation to expulsion the KIPPster. Such notification shall include:

• a description of the events that have resulted the consideration of a expulsion decision; and

• notice that the KIPPster is being considered for expulsion to his/her neighborhood school; and

• the date and time of a Team & Family Meeting with the prinicpal to make a final determination about expulsion.



Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) KIPPsters with disabilities have the same rights and responsibilities as other KIPPsters, and may be disciplined for the same behavioral offenses listed above. If a KIPPster with disabilities has an IEP that includes disciplinary guidelines, then that KIPPster will be disciplined according to those guidelines as required by IDEA. KIPPsters for whom the IEP does not include specific disciplinary guidelines may be disciplined in accordance with the standard school policy listed above.

Parent/Guardian Grievance Procedure KIPP Vision Academy is committed to keeping the lines of communication open between parents and school staff, and to developing positive, productive relationships with all of the families we serve. Should a parent/guardian of a KIPPster at KVA feel that an issue has not been adequately addressed or resolved, however, s/he should use the following grievance procedure:

Step One - Informal Discussion: A parent/guardian having a problem, complaint, or dispute, either with a teacher or with a member of the administration, shall make every effort to resolve the matter through informal discussion with the person with whom s/he has the problem, complaint, or dispute, within five (5) working days of the occurrence or cause of such matter. The parent/guardian should leave one voice mail message on the cell phone of the appropriate staff member, and then wait at least twenty-four hours for a response before attempting to contact the staff member again.

Step Two - Administrative Review: If the matter cannot thus be resolved through informal discussion, the aggrieved parent/guardian needs to follow the appropriate chain of command (teacher, grade level chair, and assistant principal). If there is still no resolution, the parents/guardians may make a request for a face-to-face meeting with the principal and any other person or persons whose actions or decisions give rise to the matter. The principal will ensure that the parent/guardian has made at least two attempts at an informal discussion before conducting an administrative review. Whenever possible, the principal will schedule such meeting to occur within five business days of her receipt of the request. At such meeting, each party will have the opportunity to be heard and to request relief. Within twenty-four hours after such meeting, the principal will reach a decision as to how the matter should be resolved. All parties present at the meeting shall receive verbal or written notice of the principal’s decision.

Step Three - Review by the chief academic officer: If after administrative review, the parent/guardian is still not satisfied with the outcome they may contact the chief academic officer for review through a formal appeal letter. The chief academic officer will ensure that the parent/guardian has met with the principal before conducting the chief academic officer review. The chief academic officer or his/her designee will respond in writing or in person within a week. Step Four - Review by the executive director: If after administrative review, the parent/guardian is still not satisfied with the outcome they may contact the executive director for review through a formal appeal letter. The executive director will ensure that the parent/guardian has met with



the principal before conducting the executive director review. The executive director or his/her designee will respond in writing or in person within a week. Step Five-Review by the advisory board: If the aggrieved parent/guardian remains unsatisfied after undergoing the executive director review s/he may, within ten (10) business days after her receipt of the executive director’s decision, file a written grievance, either electronically or through the regular mail, with the chairperson of the advisory board. The board chair will ensure that the executive director review process has been completed before addressing the concerns of the aggrieved parent/guardian. The board chair will respond within five working days of his/her receipt of such grievance, by acknowledging such receipt to the aggrieved parent/guardian, and informing the aggrieved parent/guardian of (a) the date, time and location of the next meeting of the full advisory board, and (b) the aggrieved parent/guardian’s right to appear at such meeting and voice his/her complaints. The board chair will also inform the executive director, principal and any staff members directly impacted that a grievance has been filed.

At the next full board meeting, during executive session, the principal and/or any staff member directly impacted will be given the opportunity to speak. The board chair may limit the time of presentations as s/he deems appropriate. The members of the board will also have an opportunity to ask questions of the parent/guardian and the staff members. After the questioning, the board will go into executive session (board members only) to discuss the matter. The board will vote on a resolution of the matter, and the board chair will issue the Board’s written decision within ten (10) business days after the board meeting at which the grievance was heard. All members of the board, the executive director, the principal, the aggrieved parent/guardian and the staff member(s) directly impacted will receive a copy of the Board’s written decision. Please refer to the KIPP Metro Atlanta Student & Parent Handbook for a comprehensive description of behaviors and possible consequences.

Sports Eligibility

Criteria for Participating in KIPP Vision Academy Sports

• Grades will be checked every three weeks during each season. In order to be eligible for participating in sports, a student must have at least a “C” average in every class. If a student falls below a “C” average in one or more classes, he/she will not play in the upcoming game and will be on academic probation for one week. During that time, they must complete any required make-up work or attend tutoring sessions to raise their grade. If a student is on academic probation more than two (2) times during the season, they will be removed from the team.

• If any team member receives $30 or less on their weekly paycheck, Be Nice Academy, OSS, ISS or bus suspension, he/she will be allowed to participate in practices after they have fulfilled their disciplinary requirements; however, they will not be allowed to play in the game for the week that they received the consequence. In addition, these players will not be allowed to dress out on game day and must wear their KVA uniform to school and while they sit on the bench to support their team.

• If any team member receives $30 or less on their paycheck that goes home on Tuesdays, he/she will be allowed to participate in practices after they have fulfilled their disciplinary



requirements; however, they will not be allowed to play in the game for the week that they received the consequence. In addition, these players will not be allowed to dress out on game day and must wear their KVA uniform to school and while they sit on the bench to support their team.

Terms for Dismissal from KIPP Vision Academy Sports

• Any student displaying a negative attitude towards the Team & Family and/or bad sportsmanship will be dismissed from the team.

• Any student on academic probation more than two (2) times during the season will be dismissed from the team.

• Any student receiving Be Nice Academy, OSS, ISS or bus suspension more than three (3) times a season will be dismissed from the team.



IV. General Information



Emergency Procedures Teachers will review emergency procedures with scholars at the beginning of the year and periodically throughout the year. Every room in the building has an evacuation route posted and scholars will practice evacuation routes for different emergency scenarios once a month.

Fire Drill Procedures Posted in every room is a map detailing the evacuation protocol required. Scholars are to follow their teacher outside in the event of a fire drill, fire, or natural disaster and to stay with their class. Scholars must proceed directly to the designated area and wait for instructions. All scholars will be given instruction on fire exit drills during the first grade level Tuesday Morning Meeting of each quarter. The instruction will be as follows:

• Scholars should walk, not run, when proceeding to the exits. • Scholars are not allowed to talk during fire drills so that they may hear instructions that

might be given in the event of a real emergency. • If a fire alarm sounds while a child is not in the regular classroom, he or she should exit

the building by the quickest route and proceed to the designated meeting place. • Scholars are not allowed to secure or recover clothing or other personal property

after the fire alarm has sounded. • In addition, scholars should familiarize themselves with the location of the interior fire

alarm striking stations and should be familiar with how to pull these alarms in the event of an emergency.

Any scholar violating this procedure is jeopardizing the safety of our school and will face consequences including possible suspension. Any scholar found guilty of pulling the school’s fire alarm without cause will be subject to strict consequences, including mandatory transfer.

Tornado Emergency Procedures In the event of a tornado warning, scholars will be required to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves. When a tornado warning has been announced by the National Weather Service, the principal or his designee will be responsible for communicating directly with scholars and teachers about the impending danger via an “all-call” or another appropriate means of communication. When the principal or his designee has given the signal, scholars should move quickly and quietly to the designated area of the school that has been assigned to their classroom. Teachers will be asked to follow the same procedures as above for fire drills, except to bring scholars to the designated area inside the building. Once they have reached their assigned area (in the hallway), scholars will crouch on the floor against the wall and cover their heads with their hands. Talking will not be allowed during tornado drills or tornados. Lockdown Procedures In the event that there is a perceived, imminent or actual threat to the safety of scholars, staff and visitors inside or outside the building, KIPP Vision Academy will follow the established lockdown procedures.



Lockdown Level 1- A low level threat that does not directly involve school or staff Lockdown Level 2- A medium level threat that may directly involve the school or occupants Lockdown Level 3- A high level threat that directly impacts the safety of the school and occupants including those in close proximity of the school During a lockdown, scholars’, staff’s and visitors’ movement will be limited to ceased, depending on the lockdown level, and there will be no entry in or out the building until the lockdown is over.

Building Security All exterior doors at KIPP Vision Academy are locked at all times. All visitors should enter the building through the main entrance in the front of the school. Visitors will be required to ring the buzzer, stand in front of the camera and state their reason for requesting entrance into the building. Upon entry, visitors should immediately report to the main office to sign in using the guest computer and present ID for verification. A badge will be printed and it must be worn at all times. Before leaving, all visitors must check out in the front office. Any visitors that are not in compliance with building security procedures will be asked to leave.

Volunteers KIPP Vision Academy encourages all parents to volunteer at least once a month. There are many different standing and special volunteer activities that will be advertised weekly in the communication sent home to parents. During family orientation, a survey will be given to determine your areas of interest and availability. All volunteers must sign in in the main office. A badge will be printed and it must be worn at all times. Upon completing volunteer hours, volunteers must come back to the main office to sign out. We track volunteer hours and recognize our top volunteers at the end of the year.

Food Service KIPP Vision Academy participates in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. In order to determine eligibility, the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) approach is used in lieu of collecting applications for free or reduced lunch. The Community Eligibility Provision allows all KIPP Vision Primary scholars, regardless of income, to eat breakfast and lunch for free.

Community Eligibility Provision The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) provides an alternative approach for offering school meals to local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools in low-income areas, instead of collecting individual applications for free and reduced price meals. The CEP allows schools that predominantly serve low-income children to offer free, nutritious school meals to all scholars through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. The CEP uses information from other programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Temporary Assistance Program for Needy Families (TANF) instead of traditional paper applications.



Children with Disabilities USDA regulations require substitutions or modifications in school meals for children whose disabilities restrict their diets. A child with a disability must be provided substitutions in foods when that need is supported by a Medical Statement signed by a licensed physician. Medical Statement forms are available in the school office. Food Allergies and Other Special Dietary Needs School food service may make food substitutions, at their discretion, for individual children who do not have a disability, but who are medically certified as having a special medical or dietary need. Each special dietary request must be supported by a medical statement, which explains the food substitution that is requested. Medical Statement forms are available in the school office. They must be signed by a recognized medical authority (i.e., a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, or registered nurse) and must include: 1. an identification of the medical or other special dietary condition which restricts the

child’s diet; 2. the food or foods to be omitted from the child’s diet; and 3. the food or choice of foods to be substituted

Vegetarian options are available for children who do not wish to eat meat, poultry or fish.

Snacks All scholars are provided daily afternoon snacks by the school. These snacks are free to all scholars. Scholars are allowed to bring healthy snacks to eat during the end of the day snack time. Approved Snacks: Water, Crackers, Fruit, Veggies, and Granola Bars. *All other snacks will be confiscated



Acknowledgement of Receipt: Scholar and Family Handbook 2016-‐ 17 The KIPPster/Parent Handbook has been prepared for your information and understanding of the mission, values, policies, procedures, and practices of KIPP Vision Academy. Read it carefully and thoroughly. After you and your KIPPster have received a handbook, sign below and return this to your KIPPster’s homeroom teacher. My KIPPster and I have received a copy of the KIPPster/Parent Handbook which outlines the goals and expectations of KVA, as well as my responsibilities as a KIPP parent. KIPPster Name____________________________________________________ Parent (s) Name___________________________________________________ Parent (s) Signature________________________________________________ Date____________________________________________________________

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